Arriving in style

[Saturday afternoon] Ravalomanana arrives in a motorcade led by nine motorcyclists and including nearly 10 cars to transport him and his family and Cabinet members. Traffic is stopped in front of the hotel and a red carpet unrolled down the front steps. Inside, at the top of the circular staircase leading to the second floor, a dapper color guard of 9 soldiers lines Ravalomanana’s path to his changing room, sabers raised above as he walks in. Media gathers outside, chronicling his meeting ACU’s president and first lady.